New McPherson program puts pastors in police cars

Tuesday

Nov 20, 2012 at 1:00 PM

Pastors could soon be a fixture in McPherson police cars in a program designed to give officers an understanding ear and help in high-stress situations.

AP

Pastors could soon be a fixture in McPherson police cars in a program designed to give officers an understanding ear and help in high-stress situations.Two local ministers currently are participating in the new program, and several others are expected to join as auxiliary members.KWCH reports the pastors will be there to talk to officers on an informal basis and help with things like death notifications, which can be highly emotional.Police Lt. Jerry Montagne says he wishes such a program would have been around several years ago when officers had to tell family members their loved one committed suicide.The Police Department is working on a procedures manual for the program and hopes to have it finished by the end of the year.